7am-6pm (Lap Swim: 7am-5:30pm; Open Swim: Noon-5:30pm)
7am-6pm (Lap Swim: 7am-5:30pm; Open Swim: Noon-5:30pm)
Sunset Valley Golf Club
8am-3pm (weather permitting)
8am-3pm (weather permitting)
8am-3pm (weather permitting)
West Ridge Center
Closed
Closed
Closed
Winter is Here!
The Park District endeavors to keep our facilities and programs operating whenever possible. However, there are times when weather, road conditions, or facility malfunctions dictate that programs and/or services must be cancelled or temporarily postponed or entire facilities closed.
In order to provide employees and patrons with a safe and secure environment in which to work and play, the Park District reserves the right to close a particular facility or cancel a program using the following criteria:
Whenever School District 112 (D112) cancels school, or goes to remote learning, due to weather conditions, all Park District activities and programs held at a school site will follow the same procedure the entire day and/or evening. When D112 cancellations, or remote learning, take place in the morning (prior to the beginning of school), Park District programs at Park District facilities will also be cancelled through 12pm.
Program cancellation will be consistent district-wide unless there are facility-specific reasons for cancellation.
When programs are cancelled:
Affiliate and youth groups will be cancelled.
Adult rental groups will be given the option to cancel without penalty so long as they follow the above time period.
Private lessons/training staff or clients are given the option to cancel without penalty
Drop-in classes and/or programs will be determined by the facility manager
In all situations, the Park District reserves the right to adapt this procedure and make decisions based on extenuating circumstances and/or on the safety of staff, patrons, and/or participants.
Park District facilities themselves will remain open for non-registered and/or drop-in activities (e.g. fitness and tennis/pickleball club use, public skating, open gym, cross country skiing with skis, etc.) unless specifically directed to close due to weather conditions.
Because weather, including air quality and road conditions, can change dramatically as the day progresses, the Park District will monitor weather conditions and announce closing updates throughout the day. Communication regarding any weather-related closings and updates will be posted on the homepage of this website and the Park District Facebook page. Email updates are sent to customers who have subscribed to the Park District email list.
Get out of those house and hit the courts this winter break. Drill and play with our pros and also play some games. New activities for smaller kids and board games.
Looking for a fun activity while school is out? We have you covered at Club Pickle and Padel. Enroll in any or all of the 4 days we offer a kids camp for players of all levels. There will be exciting drills and games planned throughout.
Enjoy all 4 days of Winter Break Camp for one flat fee!
The STREAM Explorers Winter Break program offers a fun and educational four-day camp experience for children when school is out. Split between Heller Nature Center and West Ridge Center, this program features a variety of activities in Science, Technology, Recreation, Environment, Art, and more. We typically end the week with a surprise field trip!
Children will start their day at West Ridge Center, where they will be bussed to Heller Nature Center to explore environmental science projects, interactive nature walks, and creative art activities. Later, they will be bussed back to West Ridge Center for hands-on technology projects, recreational games, and art experiences, where they will also be picked up.
The program provides a perfect mix of indoor and outdoor activities to keep children engaged and entertained throughout the day. It’s an ideal way for kids to spend their time off of school, having fun and exploring new interests.
Give your tween a winter break they’ll never forget! This exclusive camp offers a unique adventure each day, with hand-picked field trips designed to create unforgettable memories. From exciting destinations to hands-on activities, this premium program ensures personalized attention and a safe adventure your tween will be talking about long after break is over.
Updates from the September Park Board Meetings
September 3: Master Planning Committee Meeting
Representatives from BerryDunn presented the findings from the Recreation Assessment. The assessment evaluated current parks and recreation programs and services to identify community needs, opportunities for growth, and alignment with performance measures. Areas analyzed included enrollment-based programs, memberships, rentals, drop-in activities, events, and services.
September 3: Special Meeting of the Park Board
The Park Board approved Resolution 2025-11, authorizing a contract amendment with W.B. Olson, Inc., as Construction Manager at Risk, in an amount not to exceed $1,504,169.36 to complete the West Ridge Project.
September 10: Finance Committee Meeting
Staff reviewed the Five-Year Capital Plan going through each line item by Parks and Facilities and reviewed the Capital Plan Ten-Year Funding Model.
September 10: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board
Staff reported that the District has now entered the Analysis Phase of the Master Planning Process Update. Staff are working with aQity, Berry Dunn, and the Lakota Group to review existing plans, data, and community feedback to help shape the direction of the Master Plan. Findings will be shared at an upcoming community meeting.
City of Highland Park is evaluating potential locations for the “Miss Nitro” art sculpture. The City, the Cultural Arts Advisory Group, and the Park District are considering Brown Park, the East Parcel of property adjacent to the Highland Park Library, and Lincoln Place.
Staff provided construction project updates the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, aquatic center renovations at Park Fitness, improvements at Lincoln Park, Highland Park Community Nursery School Playground expansion, and the Consolidated Skokie Drainage project at Danny Cunniff Park.
September 25: Regular Meeting of the Park Board
This meeting was canceled.
We are batty for Halloween and have a spooktacular lineup of fun events for you and your family!
Fri, Oct 24 • 5-9pm
Halloween Open Play Pickleball
Wear your favorite costume (encouraged, not required) and enjoy festive open play with friends. We’ll have themed music, treats and plenty of pickleball fun!
Get ready for a thrilling night of exploration, mystery, and glowing surprises! Grab your flashlight and your sense of adventure as you step into the shadowy woods for an unforgettable GPS-powered treasure hunt. Using high-tech navigation and clever clues, you’ll track down glowing Jack-o’-Lanterns hidden deep along our forest trails. Can you complete the full Geocache Course and uncover every secret the woods are hiding?
This year there are 2 starting times:
5:30pm
6:30pm
Pre-registration required. All participants, children and adults, must register for the program. Children must be accompanied by a paid registered adult. Program is outdoors so please dress for the weather.
Join us for a frightfully fun evening at Scary Skate, our free community ice skating event celebrating Halloween! Come in costume and enjoy spooky music, festive decorations, and a ghoulishly good time on the ice. All ages and skill levels are welcome—just bring your skates (or borrow a pair) and get ready for a chillingly cool night!
Celebrate the season with a free, family-friendly Trunk or Treat event! Kids are invited to trick-or-treat from car to car, collecting treats from creatively decorated trunks hosted by Park District staff and local community groups. Costumes encouraged—come enjoy a safe and festive Halloween experience!
Registration is per person and all children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Pumpkin Smash is a community-driven event dedicated to sustainability and reducing waste during Halloween. Join us as we come together to compost your carved and uncarved pumpkins, turning them into valuable nutrient-rich soil. This fun and eco-friendly initiative not only helps divert tons of organic waste from landfills but also educates participants on the importance of composting for environmental conservation.
Bring your pumpkins and enjoy a day of smashing, composting, and learning about sustainable practices that benefit our planet. Together, let’s make a positive impact this Halloween season!
The first time you see the massive white dome rising above Skokie Valley Road, you know something is different. This isn’t just another indoor sports complex. It’s not just another makeshift space trying to ride the wave of pickleball’s popularity. This is something bigger. Something bolder. Something that lives up to the promise that your Park District of Highland Park has made: The Game Changes Now.
From the minute you open the doors of the brand-new Club Pickle & Padel, that promise rings true. The space buzzes with energy. There’s laughter from players gathering in the lounge, the rhythmic pop-pop of paddles against balls echoing from the courts, and the unmistakable hum of a community coming together.
“From the moment members and guests step into Club Pickle & Padel, they immediately feel the energy and warmth of the space. The lobby, lounge, pro shop, and rental areas were designed to be welcoming and comfortable, creating an environment where people want to gather, linger, and connect, said Nick Baird, Director of Recreation for the Park District.
You’ve been in a bunch of sports facilities. You’ve probably been in renovated strip-mall stores that just feel weird now that they’re masquerading as a “sports venue.”
The Club is not just another place to play pickleball or padel. This is where the future of paddle sports lives.
A New Kind of First Impression
Step inside and you’re immediately greeted by 50,000 square feet of air, light, and possibility. The dome soars high overhead, but it never feels cavernous. The lighting is flawless. No glare, no shadows, no excuses. Every court looks like it’s been lit for prime time.
Even when the club is bustling, the sound doesn’t overwhelm you. The acoustics have been carefully engineered so the joyful chaos of paddle sports stays contained, allowing conversation to flow naturally on the courts and in the lounge and pro shop.
Let’s talk about the lounge. Imagine the lobby of a boutique hotel, not a sports dome. Comfortable seating, sleek décor, and a vibe that says: stay awhile. Members sip wine, grab a snack, or linger with friends after a hard-fought match. There are private shower rooms and a large indoor rental space we call “The Lawn,” perfect for parties or corporate outings.
This is what happens when you stop thinking of pickleball and padel as hobbies and start treating them like the serious, joyful, community-building sports they are.
Club Pickle & Padel by the Numbers
50,000 sq. ft. year-round climate-controlled facility
10 dedicated pickleball courts built to pro standards
4 padel courts with glass walls and turf for optimal play
Lounge & rental space with snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks
Showers and restrooms designed for comfort
Pro shop with high-quality gear and accessories
The Vision Behind the Dome
This place didn’t happen by accident. It was the product of vision, persistence, and a community that believed in doing something extraordinary.
Highland Park native and Founding member of Club Pickle & Padel Ron Saslow is a lifelong athlete and self-described “Park District kid” who grew up on local courts and fields. When he saw the meteoric rise of pickleball and the untapped potential of padel, he knew this community deserved something world-class.
“Pickleball brings people together in a way few other sports can,” Saslow said. “It’s inclusive, easy to learn, and fun for all ages.”
We worked hard to create a space where people can play every day, at the highest level, in an environment that feels welcoming and premium at the same time.
Your Park District Board of Commissioners and the entire staff have embraced Ron’s vision, replacing an aging seasonal dome with a year-round facility designed for the next generation of paddle sports. The result is Club Pickle & Padel: equal parts competition, community social hub, and game-changer.
What Members Are Saying
“This place is incredible. You feel like a pro the second you step on court.” “Finally, a facility that takes pickleball seriously. The lighting and space are unmatched.” “The lounge feels like a hotel. I stay longer just to hang out.” “I’d never tried padel before. Now I’m hooked. It’s addictive.”
Bigger Courts, Better Play
When you walk from the lounge into the Club, the courts open up in a way that feels almost cinematic. The space is generous. No cramped sidelines, no bumping elbows with the next court over.
This was intentional. “We designed these courts for serious players,” said Robyn Liewehr, General Manager of Racquet Sports for the Park District. “We wanted the spacing, the lighting, the acoustics—absolutely everything in the Club—to support the best possible playing experience.”
And you can feel it. The ball travels cleanly. The courts breathe. The environment elevates your game.
For newcomers, getting started is just as smooth. Head Pro Justin Dill offers quick 15-minute evaluations to assign your skill rating, then guides you toward leagues, drills, or open play that fit your level. There’s no awkward guessing or mismatched pairings. It’s structured, smart, and fun.
Padel’s Big Moment
Pickleball may be the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., but padel is quietly building its own revolution. Hugely popular in Europe and South America, padel is now taking root stateside, and Club Pickle & Padel is one of the few places in the area offering true professional-grade courts.
At first glance, padel looks like a mash-up of tennis and squash. The court is enclosed by glass walls, the paddles are solid, and the ball looks like a tennis ball, but with less pressure. The result? Fast, thrilling rallies that combine power, finesse, and creativity.
“We’re seeing a lot of tennis players come in curious,” Robyn explained. “And once they try it, they’re hooked. The price makes it really accessible, plus it’s just plain fun!”
Come and watch a doubles match in action. The walls come alive with ricochets, the pace is relentless, and the camaraderie is infectious. It’s easy to see why padel is exploding worldwide, and why Club Pickle & Padel is perfectly positioned to ride that wave.
What is Padel?
Invented in Mexico, hugely popular in Spain, Argentina, and beyond
Played on an enclosed court about 1/3 the size of a tennis court
Doubles-only format encourages teamwork and strategy
Uses solid paddles and low-pressure balls
Combines elements of tennis, squash, and pickleball
Fast, social, and wildly addictive
Community at Our Core
For all the innovation and amenities, the heart of Club Pickle & Padel is community. You can see it everywhere you look: friends laughing between games, retirees competing fiercely but shaking hands warmly, and players of all ages drilling under the watchful eye of a generous coach.
Memberships are structured to keep that community spirit alive. There are options for juniors, families, and seniors, each designed to maximize value. And memberships give you sweet perks no private venue can compete with, like priority reservations on outdoor courts in the Park District!
Events and parties bring another layer of connection. The rental space can transform into a corporate team-builder, a birthday celebration, or a casual night out with friends. The ability to blend socializing and sport makes the Club a friendly hub in more ways than one.
Nick expressed what a lot of us who worked on this project are feeling: “It’s incredibly rewarding to hear how much our community enjoys spending time here—not just playing, but socializing, learning, and sharing experiences. This facility truly elevates the way people experience paddle sports, and it reflects our commitment to building spaces that are both extraordinary and inclusive.”
5 Reasons Club Pickle & Padel is Different
Lighting that makes every game feel pro-level. No glare, no shadows.
Sound absorption. Play in a dome that hums, not roars.
Space to breathe. Bigger courts, especially the back court.
Hotel-style lounge & amenities. Showers, snacks, wine, and comfort.
Unmatched membership perks. From outdoor reservations to unbeatable padel pricing.
The Future Is Here
When you come to the Club, pause for a moment at the entrance where the Saslow family’s welcome message greets every guest. It’s warm, it’s personal, and it underscores everything you are about to experience: a facility built not just for games, but for people.
Pickleball and padel aren’t fads. They’re movements. And Club Pickle & Padel has created a space worthy of that momentum. It’s where beginners discover their new passion, where competitors sharpen their edge, and where community thrives.
At Club Pickle & Padel, The Game Changes Now is not a tagline. It’s our promise to you. It’s the truth.
Come see for yourself what the buzz is all about. We’ll meet you at the net!
Before heading out to a Park District of Highland Park facility on July 4, be sure to check our hours listed below. Learn about Highland Park Independence events here.
Facility
Thursday, July 3
Friday, July 4
Centennial Ice Arena
Closed
Closed
Deer Creek Racquet Club
8am-3pm
Closed
Heller Nature Center
Building Closed Trails: 7:30am to Dusk
Building Closed Trails: 7:30am to Dusk
Hidden Creek AquaPark
Lap Swim: 5:30-11am Open Swim: 11am-8pm
Lap Swim: 5:30-10am Open Swim: 10am-5pm
Highland Park Golf Learning Center
8am-7pm
8am-7pm
Recreation Center of Highland Park
Facility: 8am-3pm Indoor Pool: 8am-2:30pm
Closed
River's Edge Mini Golf
8am-7pm
8am-9pm
Rosewood Beach
10am-6pm
10am-6pm
Sunset Valley Golf Club
6am-8pm (weather permitting)
6am-8pm (weather permitting)
West Ridge Center
8am-5pm
Closed
Updates from the May Park Board Meetings
May 12: Finance Committee Meeting
Staff provided a purchase recommendation to replace wireless access point equipment.
Staff provided a programming, and operations update for Club Pickle and Padel, highlighting the membership and permanent court time options. Staff also compared budgeted programming revenues and expenses with estimated figures for the fall of 2025.
Staff reviewed the two bids for the pickleball court divider and enclosure system purchase and installation. Staff recommended rejecting both bids and requested the Park Board allow the Executive Director to enter into a Sole Source Purchase Agreement instead.
Staff reviewed the natural gas bids and provided contract recommendations.
May 7: Special Workshop Meeting of the Park Board
The Park Board approved to reject the 2025 Pickleball Court Divider and Enclosure System Purchase and Installation Bids, to ratify the 2024 Club Pickel and Padel Change Order No. 9, to approve Resolution 2025-07 Authorizing a Sole Source Contract for Procurement of InfinityGlass Pickleball Court Divider and Enclosure System, to approve the Interstate Gas Supply, LLC Commercial Gas Sales Agreement for Natural Gas bid via Alternative Utility Services, Inc. (AUS Energy), to approve the Mansfield Power and Gas, LLC Master Commercial Gas Sales Agreement for Natural Gas bid via Alternative Utility Services, Inc. (AUS Energy), to approve the Wireless Access Point Agreement, to approve the Settlement Agreement with I.B. Storey.
The Park Board of Commissioners adopted the Beach and Boating Safety Week Proclamation declaring May 17 – 23, 2025 as Highland Park Beach and Boasting Safety Week.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-06 A Declaration Honoring Brian Kaplan for his Contributions to the Park District of Highland Park While Serving as a Park Board Commissioner from May 2011 through June 2024, Resolution 2025-05 – A Declaration Honoring Barnett Ruttenberg for his Contributions to the Park District of Highland Park While Serving as a Park Board Commissioner from May 2013 through May 2025, and 2025-04 – A Declaration Honoring Calvin Bernstein for his Contributions to the Park District of Highland Park While Serving as a Park Board Commissioner from May 2007 through May 2025.
May 13: Finance Committee Meeting
During excavation for the new recreation facility at West Ridge Park, soil testing was completed, and it was recommended to install waterproofing and additional drainage to avoid pooling in the gymnastics foam pit. Staff reviewed the total change to the contract for this work.
Staff reviewed the bid results and provided contract recommendations for the 2025 Larry Fink Batting Cage and the 2025. The Recreation Center of Highland Park Landscape Installation bid was awarded a contract to Autus Group, LLC dba Property First by the Park Board on April 23, 2025. The contractor is not proceeding with the project, so staff recommended the second lowest bidder who had favorable references and the Park District has worked with in the past, Langton Group.
May 21: Annual Meeting of the Park Board
Commissioner Grossberg was elected for President of the Park Board and Commissioner Freeman was elected for Vice President.
Executive Director Romes was appointed as Secretary to the Park Board, Coordinator Hejnowski was appointed as Assistant Secretary acting under the general supervisor of the Secretary, Director Peters was appointed as Treasurer, Director Hall was appointed as the District’s IMRF authorized agent, Executive Director Romes, Director Hall, and Coordinator Hejnowski were appointed as Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officers, Executive Director Romes and Coordinator Hejnowski were appointed as Open Meetings Act (OMA) Officers, Executive Director Romes was appointed as the American With Disabilities Act Coordinator (ADA), Sikich, LLP was appointed as the District’s auditor, and Ancel Glink was appointed as the District’s attorney.
May 21: Regular Meeting of the Park Board
Fitness Manager, Jodi DiTomasso, received a Resolution Honoring her for performing lifesaving CPR to a patron at the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
The Park Board approved the 2025 Larry Fink Park Batting Cage, the 2025 Recreation Center of Highland Park Parking Lot Landscape Installation, Ordinance 2025-07- Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Ratification of PCCO #8: Waterproofing/Drainage at Pits in Gymnasium, New Recreation Facility at West Ridge Park and the New Restaurant License Agreement for Sunset Valley Golf Club.
Staff provided construction project updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Club Pickle and Padel, South Boat Storage Restoration at Park Avenue, improvements at Sunset Woods Park, renovations at Old Elm and Port Clinton Playgrounds, and the renovations to the Larry Fink Park Tot Lot.
Staff provided an annual report on Recreation Programming comparing budgeted vs actual programming, league, and camp enrollments and revenues and expenses.
This fall, it’s more than just a game—it’s a chance to build confidence, strength, and leadership through sports. Registration is now open for our Girls Fall Sports programs, including Basketball, Softball, Volleyball, and Flag Football.
Our leagues are designed to empower girls both on and off the field. Through teamwork, skill-building, and positive coaching, players gain more than athletic ability. They gain self-belief, friendships, and a strong sense of community.
Programs between in September/October. Register today!
Explore the trails in a whole new way with our new app! This interactive augmented reality game provides nature-themed challenges on your phone as you walk along the trails. Download the app and Heller’s “Spring into Nature!” Mission, and you’re ready for action! Complete the fun, educational challenges, games, and puzzles to earn rewards and prizes—fun for kids and adults alike!
Join us on Saturday, May 17 from 10am-Noon for a special launch event where you can play the game, explore the trails, and win prizes!
Pumpkin Smash is a community-driven event dedicated to sustainability and reducing waste during Halloween. Join us as we come together to compost your carved and uncarved pumpkins, turning them into valuable nutrient-rich soil. This fun and eco-friendly initiative not only helps divert tons of organic waste from landfills but also educates participants on the importance of composting for environmental conservation.
